Here at The Black Olive, which is one of the best Greek restaurants in the D.C. area, our team is always keeping an eye out on industry trends. This is one of the ways we’ve been able to bring you the best Mediterrarnean cuisine year after year. Below we’re sharing our thoughts on the top 5 most recent trends in Greek food.
Whether it’s drizzled on top of yogurt or cake, honey has always been an important part of Greek cuisine, especially when it comes to desserts. Recently, there has been more of an emphasis on high-end honey. You might also notice more recipes that feature honey cultivated from specific plants, such as pine and eucalyptus, which provide unique flavors.
The next time you take a stroll through the farmer’s market, be sure to check out a Greek food stall. You’ll likely find high-end artisanal Greek honey in a variety of different flavors.
Traditional Greek food often features delicious cheeses, such as feta and anthotyros. While this is perfectly compatible with a vegetarian diet, vegans might have trouble finding something to eat at Greek restaurants.
Vegan feta and other plant-based alternatives are making it possible for diners to enjoy unique Greek flavors without having to eat animal products. This is also an excellent option for people who are sensitive to dairy. We’re excited to see more plant-based offerings as this trend continues.
Olive oil is the foundation of so many Greek food recipes. Now, it’s moving to the forefront. Many recipes are featuring uniquely flavored olive oils, such as those infused with rosemary, pepper, and even chocolate. We’ve also seen a number of eateries offering flavored vinegars.
To let the flavors shine, we expect that some of the best Greek restaurants in the D.C. area will offer flavored olive oil as a dip, rather than cooking or baking it into food.
In addition to using flavored olive oils and vinegars, restaurants are putting a new twist on pasta as well. Chefs are creating bold combinations using flavor-forward traditional pasta like hilopites, which are noodles made from a mixture of pureed vegetables and flour. This is giving diners a new way to enjoy traditional staples of Greek cuisine.
Greek food typically isn’t known for its spice. Instead, the focus is on bringing out the natural flavors of the meats, breads, and vegetables used.
In a slight shift from tradition, spice is showing up more and more at Greek and Mediterranean restaurants throughout the D.C. area. Consumers who enjoy fusion cuisine will especially love these mash-up dishes, which are featuring spicy flavors from other parts of the world.
As one of the best Greek restaurants in the D.C. area, The Black Olive offers simple, traditional food that reminds you of what Greek cuisine is all about. We use only the finest ingredients and have made a name for ourselves through our passion for food. View our menu here, or give us a call at (410) 276-7141 to learn more.
